Brett In The Community

Community

Brett and Sarah Keisel are active in their community throughout the season and offseason by hosting and supporting important causes. Brett also attends various events and activities hosted by his teammates or the Steelers which benefit many great causes.

The Keisel's work closely with the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Foundation by hosting the 65 Roses Sports Auction each year and they are also Advisory Board Members for the Homeless Children's Education Fund (HCEF).

More information on both the CF Foundation and the HCEF can be found below and on the right side of this page under Keisel Causes.

Some of the causes, events and activities the Keisel's have been involved in:

65 Roses Sports Auction:

This annual sports spectacular features a live auction with autographed memorabilia from every sport imaginable and proceeds benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Brett and his family host the event annually and of course many of Brett's teammates attend it also.

Keisel serves as the honorary chairman for the Cystic Fibrosis 65 Roses Sports Auction, and it touches his heart when he meets some of the CF Ambassadors, young kids like (Emma) Chichilla and two-year old Anthony Sarkis.

“The biggest thing that has grabbed my wife and I was the first event when we met Emma and saw the impact it had on her and her family,” said Keisel. “We had the opportunity to meet Anthony too as I did a PSA with him for Cystic Fibrosis. Just seeing the challenges these kids are born with and there is no cure for it, that is what we are fighting for, a cure.”

Emma has been at the event each year and is always excited to see Brett. You can usually find her by his side throughout the event. She is shown with Keisel in the photo above-wearing her 99 1/2 shirt of course!

Anthony Sarkis is another child Brett met through the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. He filmed a CF Public Service Announcement with Brett and attends the 65 Roses event with his family. The photo shows Brett with the Sarkis family. From L-R: Anthony's grandmother, father, Brett (with Anthony's brother, Matt in front of him), Anthony's mother (holding Anthony) and his grandpap-Doug Sarkis.

Doug was kind enough to send this about Brett:

"One tough defensive end in the NFL, great community leader, great family man and a man I am lucky enough to spend a few hours with each year as we raise money for a cause very dear to my heart.

Because of Brett, we have a PSA about Cystic Fibrosis in which he and our grandson, Anthony star in! This PSA is shown on all the local TV stations in the Pittsburgh viewing area.

Thanks Brett for all you do on and off the field!"-- The A Team

Photos from the event are in the photo gallery under "65 Roses Sports Auction."

Brett also posed for a "Respect the Beard" shirt to raise money for the CF Foundation and for HCEF. He sold posed professional photos (by Carol Maurin) to raise money for both causes.

You can find a link for Carol Maurin's photos on the Links page here on the site.

Champions for Children Benefit:

Hosted by the Homeless Children's Education Fund (HCEF), this event benefits the educational needs of local homeless children.

The Homeless Children's Education Fund was founded in 1999 by Dr. Joseph F. Lagana.

HCEF is committed to ensuring that children who are homeless have access to the same educational opportunities and experiences as their peers. It focuses on providing “hope through learning” by:

Raising public awareness of the very existence of children’s homelessness and the concomitant challenges to their academic success.

Providing enhancements to and support of learning within transitional and bridge housing as well as emergency shelters.

Offering multiple opportunities for adults, youths, and children to becomes advocates for families experiencing homelessness and the educational rights of the children affected.

"Brett and Sarah Keisel have been supporters of the Homeless Children’s Education Fund (HCEF) since 2004. Many times when a professional athlete gets involved with a charitable organization it is in name only. This is NOT the case with Brett and Sarah.

Brett and Sarah have taken the time to learn and understand the plight and promise of children and youth experiencing homelessness. Sarah has attended and spoken at seminars and conferences that HCEF has had over the last 7 years. Brett has visited shelters and met youth who are experiencing homelessness.

They are true advocates for this very vulnerable population of youth.

They have also contributed financially and supported the organization in our fund raising efforts. The have attended all 7 of our Annual Champions for Children galas since becoming involved with HCEF. Not even being 8 months pregnant prevented Sarah from joining us one year.

In 2011 Brett and Sarah were recognized as the HCEF Champions for Children. This is an annual award given for having a significant positive impact on the lives of children and youth experiencing homelessness in Allegheny County.

Through the support of Brett and Sarah, HCEF has been able to make a difference in the education of thousands of children experiencing homelessness over the last 7 years. They enable us to provide “Hope through learning”.

You can read more about Brett and Sarah and their contributions by visiting the HCEF website."-- Bill Wolfe-Executive Director- HCEF.

The Keisel's also sponsored some fundraisers to benefit HCEF (and other charities). One such fundraiser was the sale of Brett's "Respect the Beard" t-shirts. Through the sales of the shirts, over $2600.00 was donated to HCEF!

Please take time to read more about the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and The Homeless Children's Education Fund. Both are great causes to support!

Bid for Hope:

Bid for Hope is hosted by Heath and Katie Miller and sponsored through A Glimmer of Hope to support the research surrounding breast cancer within women under 40.

Glimmer of Hope, founded by Diana Napper, is a Pennsylvania non-profit organization that has been supporting breast cancer research since 1994. The organization has raised over $1 million to further fund the largest premenopausal breast cancer study in the United States.

Their mission:

Support the reasearch surrounding breast cancer within women under 40.

Glimmer of Hope is currently helping to fund a study which aims to:

Ascertain future reproductive potential in young women treated with chemotherapy for breast cancer.

Ascertain the impact of chemotherapy on the patients’ hormonal status.

Ascertain the safety of subsequent pregnancy after a diagnosis of breast cancer since pregnancy can greatly increase the level of hormones that can promote the growth of breast cancer.

Ascertain the impact of breast cancer treatment from a quality of life standpoint.

Provide funding for genetic testing in economically disadvantaged young women diagnosed with breast cancer since the diagnosis of BRCA mutations can have far ranging impact on the patient and her children.

Brett and Sarah attend Bid for Hope each year to support Diana and A Glimmer of Hope.

Brett and Sarah Keisel have supported A Glimmer of Hope Foundation for 7
years. They have always attended an annual event called Bid for Hope. This
event, held every October, raises money for research for young women with
breast cancer. The Keisel's generosity and genuine gift of giving have been
truly appreciated by all the young women that are battling this devastating
disease.

They have also done interviews at the event which have helped our cause
tremendously. The Keisel's are both very open and caring individuals, and
truly have made an incredible difference in the lives of the people they
have helped.

It is with a grateful heart that we thank Brett and Sarah for
all their charity work.They are fantastic role models not only in the city
of Pittsburgh, but across the country.--Diana Napper-founder of A Glimmer of Hope.

Project Bundle Up

Keisel and many Steelers teammates team up with the Salvation Army each winter to make sure all children have proper winter attire. Each player is paired with a child and they set off on a shopping adventure to find a winter coat, hat, gloves and scarf, the perfect combination to fight off the winter chill.

"This is the best day of my life!" Javon Wade, 9, of Arnold, said as he waited for defensive end Brett Keisel to sign one of the promotional Steelers programs distributed to all the kids.-From an article in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

More information to come. Community page is still under construction so stay tuned!

Keisel Kam

Signing up!

Brett inks the contract which will keep him in Pittsburgh!

“It means a lot to be back,” said Keisel, who spent the offseason as an unsigned free agent. “There really is no place like here, no place like home.

It was tough, just the unknown. For them to give me the opportunity to come back means a lot to me and I can’t wait to get back to work.

I still have a little time to not only get to know these men I am going to go to battle with, but just get back into football stuff.

I feel great. I have been training my tail off with the thought that I am going to be back. It looks like all of that training has paid off.”

Pro Bowl

Voting is unlimited, easy and FREE so feel free to vote over, and over and over!

This season’s Pro Bowl is different. The stars are realigned. No more AFC vs. NFC. It’s all about giving fans matchups they’ve never seen before. The game like you’ve never seen it before. This is the Pro Bowl: Unconferenced.

Tall Cathy from 96.1 started her "Five Questions" Segment, which will appear weekly.

From Tall Cathy: When I first walked into the locker room, Brett Keisel immediately approached me to say hello and was kind enough to agree to be the first victim of my 5 question segment!

Brett will tell you about his favorite cartoon growing up, his itunes playlist, first car, favorite food and what's hiding inside of his beard!
Thanks to Brett for being such a great sport & to Max Starks for the photo bomb.

New Item

The Da Beard Gear crew has been busy coming up with new designs for the 2013 season!

Some new items were recently added to the store.

One is a Da Beard Flip Up Shirt: The front of this shirt reads DA BEARD in bold type with "Da Beard" logo beneath the wording. On the inside front of the shirt, "Da Beard" has been printed on the fabric in such a way so that you can flip it up, bring up to your face and GET YOUR BEARD ON!
NOTE: The image in the small box to the right is the beard printed on the inside of the shirt.

Another new shirt is the Da Beard Football T-Shirt: We've taken "Da Beard Football" shirt and made it a short sleeve. The color of the shirt is a dark heather gray with a camo screen print.

Visit the store to view all of the new gear.

Grab your gear now so you're ready to start the 2013 season off right!

Click the Store link at the top of this page to GET YOUR BEARD ON with Keisel's official Da Beard merchandise line.

Also, you can listen to the famous WDVE "Fear the Beard" song!

Watch #99 and the Steelers play while decked out in your Da Beard gear!

The site offers fans a chance to purchase official Brett "The Diesel" Keisel beard gear. Brett's famous beard captured the national spotlight and was one of the most talked about topics during Media Week at Super Bowl XLV.

Be sure to purchase your Da Beard t-shirts and hats so you can wear them to games or wherever you cheer on the Steelers. The link to Da Beard Gear is above under "Store" or above under the Da Beard logo. Da Beard Gear is the official merchandise line of Brett Keisel.

The Da Beard crew has added larger sized adult t-shirts and kids gear! They also added some new t-shirt designs fans will love, along with drink koozies and stickers. Thank you for your continued support of Brett Keisel's official site and merchandise line.

Residents and visitors of Greybull, Wyoming (Brett's hometown) can now purchase Da Beard gear there. Stop by the Greybull Building Center atlocated at 617 1st Avenue South in Greybull to check out their selection of Da Beard merchandise.

Also, Hometown Sports in the Pittsburgh area now carry Da Beard Gear!

If you own a store, and are interested in carrying Da Beard Gear, please email us. The email address is at the top of this page, under Contact.

Fear the Beard Prints

“Fear the Beard” is now available in a very special limited edition Giclee print. Brett owns the original, but Scott is offering fans a chance to purchase a print.

This print is of the highest quality and limited to a very small edition of only 500 prints. The prints are available in 16 x 20 inches. Each print is hand signed and numbered by Scott Spillman, the artist, and comes with a certificate of authenticity.

The cost is as follows:

For 16 x 20 signed and numbered prints - $55.00. Shipping is not included.

Brett "The Diesel" Keisel salsa

Brett Keisel of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Geronimo Salsa are proud to present the BRETT “THE DIESEL” KEISEL line of salsas, which are available in 3 flavors: Mild, Medium, and Hot. Get your jar today! It is a must have for any Black & Gold tailgate party.

FEAR “DA BEARD”, LOVE THE SALSA!

It is available at Western PA Giant Eagle stores. Don't worry if you are not able to get to Western PA, PLB Sports has you covered! You can order the salsa directly from the from the PLB Sports website!

While on their site, be sure to check out the long list of other products they offer. PLB Sports is located in Pittsburgh, PA, and is the # 1 Website for Sports & Celebrity Endorsed Products.

Come on Steeler Nation, this is your chance to include Keisel at your next tailgate party or get together-Keisel salsa that is! This is a one-of-a-kind item, with Brett's face right on the label... makes for a great collectors item. Brett says the salsa is GREAT, and we know you will love it too.

2013 Training Camp Schedule

The Steelers will officially kick off their 2013 season when the team reports to training camp on Friday, July 26, at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa. This will be the 48th year the Steelers will train at Saint Vincent College.

First practice open to the public: July 27.

First practice in pads: July 29.

The annual night practice at Latrobe’s Memorial Stadium: August 2.

Evening practice at Saint Vincent College: August 14.

Last practice open to the public: August 17.

The team will release the FULL training camp schedule soon and we'll post it here also.

"Brett is a cool cat. He is a country guy with a little swagger--And you rarely ever find that."

Coach Mike Tomlin talks about signing Keisel to a new deal-2009.

“He’s ridiculously competitive. He has a mean streak, something that is necessary to play the position that he plays,” Tomlin said.

“He takes a great deal of pride in his work and he doesn’t care who gets the credit. A lot of times when you play defensive end in our scheme, it’s a lot of dirty work, occupying blocks, playing with great pad level, creating opportunities for others, such as James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley, who benefit greatly from the work of our ends.

He embraces all of that and does it with a smile on his face. He embodies the things that we value as a Pittsburgh Steeler.”

NFL analyst Troy Aikman talks about Keisel:

"Brett Keisel, in my opinion, is really one of the great players in this league. I mean, this is a guy, an emotional leader, who missed some time, and him being back has really given this defense a lift. He's not a guy who you see with alot of sacks, but someone who is very disruptive. He runs sideline to sideline; an extremely versatile player. "

Keisel talks about how the team didn't let numerous injuries define them:

"It's testament to the character of this team and the players we have waiting to come in and play. When they get their opportunity and they come in and play and we win, it says something about this team."

Teammate Aaron Smith talking about Keisel:

“I think Brett’s really coming into his own. I think this is the chance for him to have a Pro Bowl year.” “He’s feeling more comfortable, more confidence. He’s a great player. It’s just a matter of him maturing.”

He had an unbelievable camp in practices. There aren’t too many guys who can block him in practice.”

Events/Appearances

Brett and Cameron Heyward judging the chili at the Nemacolin Five Alarm Mountain Madness Chili Cook-off last year.

Photo from Matt Stark.

Brett will once again put on his "judges" hat to help vote the winner of the Nemacolin Five Alarm Mountain Madness Chili Cook-off.

Ask The Diesel

Well, The Diesel himself wants to answer your questions! Email them to us and we'll send them to THE DIESEL. My email is at the top of the site under CONTACT.

Please include your name and where you are from (if you wish).

Depending on the number of questions we receive, we cannot guarantee a response to every question. Please be considerate, and refrain from any personal or offensive questions. This is a great way for fans to get to know Mr. Keisel a little off the field so let's keep it clean and fun!

Q & A:

I live in central Pennsylvania and love to kayak and fish. My question is: Brett I know you are an outdoorsman but have you had the chance to fish for any PA smallmouth? If so, what's your personal best? Secondly you are in PRIME musky country In Pitt. Have you got a chance to hunt any muskies? You are my favorite player on and off the field. Thank you for your time man!- Rob Swann

I haven't had the chance to fish for either. Todd Haley says he knows a good place for Musky and agreed to take me sometime.

Does the added weight of da beard give his neck and delts more of a workout? - Connie-- long time Steelers fan in Arizona

DaBeard is light as a feather and strong as a Bull.

I was wondering if there's any kind of crazy things/ adventures ( like a bucket list) that you'd like to do?- Dan, NYC

I would like to sky dive one day.

What has been your favorite game so far in your career?- Bob Simmons, Hudson, NY

Hard to pick a favorite. Tough to beat 2 Super Bowl victories.

I know that Mr. Keisel is an avid hunter but I am not sure of his shoe size. I wear a size 15 and cannot find hunting boots in that size. If it were possible in passing to find out what outfitter he used to have boots made, it would be greatly appreciated. - Justin Doty

I wear a 14. Cabela's has some large sizes as well as Gander Mountain.

Any advise for a young DE player?- Michael Jablonski Worthington, Ohio

Don't let anyone outwork you.

I am always wondering what does it take to be a professional football player? What is your motivation to step on the field and be the greatest of all?
And one completely irrelevant question, what genre of music do u listen to?- Sina Talebian

There is a lot of work that's involved in being a Pro. You have to handle business when nobody is watching. Do all the little things that will help you succeed. I have a strong desire to win, and I love to compete. I listen to everything..depends on what mood I'm in. My favorite band is Pearl Jam.

Where can I find your jersey, man? I have checked Steelers.com and NFL.com. Any idea where to find adult and youth sizes. I see fans on message boards & all over social media looking for them so I know they would be a big seller! - John Timmons Chicago, IL

Thanks. I'm working on getting jerseys to sell on my website. Stay tuned.

What is your favorite childhood memory?-- Haydee S. -New Mexico

As a young boy my favorite memory was camping with my parents and brothers and sisters.

Brett, what is the name of the company that make those wrist guards/braces that you and alot of players wear. Been trying to find them everywhere with no success for my son who's a D lineman. Any help would greatly be appreciated! Thanks!-- Scott Kramer

Donjoy makes the wrist rockets I wear. They work great.

What is your favorite food?-- Gabe Johnson, Pittsburgh PA. (By the way I love my Da Beard Gear. Getting ready to order some more!).

My favorite food is Meat and Taters.

What is your recommendation for a great dinner spot for a first time Burgh visitor? --Ashley Meade

There are several great places to eat but if you come to Pittsburgh you have to try Primanti's. (Click here for locations and menu.).

What is one of your favorite vacation spots?-- Brandon M., Chicago, IL.,/b>

The Big Horn Mountains in Wyoming.

One place we must visit when coming to Pittsburgh for the first time-besides Heinz Field? --Sarah Evans

Mt. Washington. Incredible view of the city.

I know you love to hunt. Do you eat the wild game and if so, what is your favorite? I like deer meat. - Submitted by Emily Cooper (Age 11).

I do love to hunt. And yes, I enjoy venison. My favorite is probably moose or a young elk.

Do you get on the net much ,and if so, what are your favorite sites (besides your own)? -Submitted by Becky Miller (the amazing artist who created several of our Keisel Kam designs and the Pro Bowl logo used last year on the site. Check out her artist page on the Links page above.)

No, but I do wear shoes and wristbands for breast cancer awareness. I also support the Bid for Hope event that my friends Heath and Katie Miller host every year.

Bid for Hope is an event that benefits breast cancer research and will be held on October 17, 2011. You can read more about it on the "Brett in the Community" page (the link is under the banner above).

How many brothers and sisters do you have? I have 4 sisters and I like them but would really like some brothers because sometimes they drive me crazy! - Submitted by Jeremy Stephens (age 8).

I have 3 brothers and 3 sisters.

What is your favorite dessert?

Ice cream and cake.

What are your favorite pizza toppings?

Hawaiian pizza with cracker crust.

Last movie you went to theatre to see?

Rise of the Planet of the Apes. Diesel gives this 3 out of 5 stars.

If you were not a football player, what career would you choose?

Pro Basketball player.

Who is your favorite super hero?

Batman.

FYI-Be sure to go see the new Batman movie, "The Dark Knight Rises" when it comes out...Keisel, Ben Roethlisberger, Heath Miller and other teammates filmed a scene for it!

Keep the fun going by emailing your questions for #99 to answer. And, keep checking back to see when we post new questions and answers. This may be a good place to get contest questions from so keep up with your Ask the Diesel fun facts!

Steelers Basketball

I will post any games I locate here, but it is not the full Steelers Basketball schedule. Please be aware...I have no information as to which players will appear at each game.

At home with Brett

Brett loves to spend time at home, relaxing and being a dad. He is also an outdoorsman whose hobbies include fishing and hunting, things he did while growing up in Wyoming.

Your favorite home-cooked meal: Meatloaf.

Your cooking speciality: Pot roast.

Three things in your refrigerator: Milk, water and snacks.

What's on TV: The Outdoor Channel.

Your TV-watching snack: Popcorn.

What do you do to relax at home: Play with my son.

More to come..so check back!

Keisel Causes

Brett works with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation each year by hosting the 65 Roses Sports Auction. The event raises money for CF.

This annual sports spectacular features a live auction with autographed memorabilia from every sport imaginable! Join the Pittsburgh Steelers, national and local celebrities for this evening of fun, food and fantastic sports items. You can own your own piece of sports history by bidding on items from the legends of the game and enjoy autograph opportunities.

Annual information about the 65 Roses Sports Auction will be in the Events and Appearances section, when available.

The Keisel's work with the Homeless Children's Education Fund.

Their Mission: To serve as a voice for the homeless children of Allegheny County and to ensure they are afforded equal access to the same educational opportunities and experiences as their peers.

For more information on Homeless Children's Education Fund, click here.

Tellman Knudson is running barefoot across the country to raise money for youth homelessness in America.

Knudson is trying to raise $100,000,000.00 to aid homeless youth in a project called RunTellmanRun.

From Tellman:

"Sounds crazy, right? I get that a lot. But I live by a guiding principle: If you don’t set yourself extremely ambitious goals, nothing great will ever be accomplished.

Brett and Sarah Keisel have long been involved with charities for homeless youth, so Tellman's cause was right up their alley. They met with him in Pittsburgh, and visited The Hub Outreach Center. Brett graciously signed two footballs which will be auctioned to raise much-needed funds for The Hub.

To read about their visit, and about Tellman's amazing journey, click here.

You can also donate money or leave comments about his wonderful cause through the link.